|
NISCAIR ONLINE PERIODICALS REPOSITORY (NOPR) >
NISCAIR PUBLICATIONS >
Research Journals >
Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK) >
IJTK Vol.03 [2004] >
IJTK Vol.03(1) [January 2004] >
| Title: | Conservation of biodiversity: Traditional approach |
| Authors: | Sensarma, Priyadarsan |
| Keywords: | Traditional approach
Biodiversity
Conservation
Visnu Samhitā. |
| Issue Date: | Jan-2004 |
| Publisher: | CSIR |
| Abstract: |
Measures to conserve biodiversity have been taken in India since
hoary past. Elements of this aspect of traditional wisdom can be gathered
through analytical studies of the ethnic societies, which are less influenced
by the modern civilization, and also by scrutinizing the ancient texts written
in Sanskrit, Pali, Tamil, etc. The Visnu
Samhitā is one such scripture in Sanskrit language. It appears that this
work contains some direct instructions in connection with conservation of the
biodiversity. These commands are interspersed along with others in different
chapters. The same have been collected and recorded together under appropriate
heads. The same have been compared with similar information found in some other
Sanskrit works with a view to tracing the possible course of evolution of the
traditional approach.
According to the text of the Visnu Samhitā, causing any harm to the
plant(s) or animal(s) is a sin. Even purloining of part(s)/product(s) of any of
these living beings is a crime. The sinner/criminal is liable to chastisement
in this life and also after death. The punishments are of diverse nature —
pecuniary, corporal, expiatory, and donation of specific article(s) to a
Brahmin. In this scripture there are some indirect instructions too, which can
be gleaned by analyzing the dietary regulations and the use of biodiversity in
different religious rites. These, however, have not been included in the
present article.
|
| Page(s): | 5-11 |
| ISSN: | 0975-1068 (Online); 0972-5938 (Print) |
| Source: | IJTK Vol.03(1) [January 2004]
|
|
